Way back in the early 1970s the Social Credit government of Alberta created three wilderness areas after convening hearings on the subject across the province. What’s wrong with that? They were cynical creations designed to put conservationists (including anglers and hunters) in their place for daring to challenge the government about its environmental policies. You see, the areas were very tiny pieces of high mountain areas in the Rockies that mostly protected rocks and snow–nothing like what had been asked by the conservationists and the public at large. In my October Alberta Outdoorsmen column, I discuss how my experience in that fight started my cynicism about governments and politicians, especially in Alberta. Through its arrogance, the government of the day dealt away a grand opportunity to leave a lasting legacy for future generations, not to mention the well being of our water supply and environment in general.